92000E3990

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3990/00

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(21 December 2000)

Subject: Exemption from passport requirement for Russian citizens in the Kaliningrad enclave

The Russian Government has reportedly made inquiries within the EU concerning the possible incorporation of part of its territory into the Schengen area. At present, the inhabitants of the small Kaliningrad enclave are not required to carry passports to enter Poland or Latvia. In Russia's view, when those countries become members of the EU, the exemption from the obligation to carry a passport should be replaced by membership of the Schengen area.

What is the Commission's view of this proposal?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(27 February 2001)

The Commission has not been approached formally by the Russian authorities on the question of whether Schengen could be extended to include Kaliningrad. Nevertheless some concern has been expressed by the Russian authorities as to the implications of the enlargement of the Union on movement across the borders of Kaliningrad.

On 17 January 2001 the Commission adopted a Communication on The EU and the region of Kaliningrad and transmitted this Communication(1) to the Council and the Parliament. The Communication aims to offer ideas and options for a Union debate with Russia, Lithuania and Poland on future co-operation with Kaliningrad.

(1) COM(2001) 26 final.